FELLOWSHIP, FRIENDSHIP AND FUN - REMARRIAGE

This week, let's look at Fellowship, Friendship & Fun in relationship to a couple attempting to know one another better as they contemplate remarriage. It is important that couples take time to really come to know one another in an honest caring environment. To rush into marriage without taking the time to know the idiosyncrasies of a partner can be a disaster.

How better can we know each other than through times of fellowship, friendship and fun? Spending quiet times together and enjoying one another's presence is a rewarding part of courtship. It is during relaxed moments that one's personality is free to blossom.

FELLOWSHIP:

Sharon and I did a wide variety of simple things to come to know one another better. We enjoyed movies, plays, picnics, reading, dining out, preparing special meals for each other, talking and listening to each other. It helped us to learn what our mutual interests were. It also taught us to appreciate each other's independent interests. The coupons I referred to in my book were part of the fun things we did: (page 117)

Maggie, my secretary who also did calligraphy, was ready and willing to make the award certificate and some special coupons. The coupons included such things as dining out at
the restaurant of her choice, a bicycle ride and picnic, a trip to Solvang, a day at Disneyland, etc. It included a "Plus One," which I planned to give to her that evening at a dinner I would
prepare just for her.

FRIENDSHIP & FUN:

It is important to develop a very strong friendship with one another before taking the giant step of remarriage. Learn to laugh together and occasionally at each other. You may be serious about your love, but don't become so intense that you lose the joy of your relationship. In my book I relate some of the many fun experiences Sharon and I enjoyed during our courtship. The fortune cookie prediction was one such fun time. (Pages 115 and 116).


Chinese Fortune Cookie Prediction

A couple of weeks later, we were dining at a Chinese restaurant. At the end of the meal, the waitress brought our check along with two Chinese fortune cookies.

I opened mine and read it aloud. "You will marry your present lover and be happy."

Sharon's mouth dropped open, "You're making that up."

I showed her the fortune.

"How did you get them to do that?"

"I didn't, honest, but you better marry me or millions of Chinese are going to be heartbroken."

Part of the humor of it all was that just the night before, we had seen the movie, "Oh, God," featuring George Burns. In the movie "God" sent messages in fortune cookies. I had never
gotten or seen a fortune cookie like that before, and I haven’t gotten one since. Have you?

Sharon and I enjoyed many quiet times together where we read to each other in front of a glowing fireplace, played table games or chatted about our life experiences. I believe courtship is a wonderful time to build toward a happy future together. May your memories of those times be as blessed as mine are.

From our first date, during our courtship and throughout our marriage poetry has been a special part of our relationship. It is a way to share oneself with your beloved. If you have that creative spark in you it can enhance and enrich your interaction with each other. The following are two of the many poems we shared:

Little Bird

Small injured bird within my palm,
I hold you there without a qualm.
I feel the beating of your heart,
And long that we shall never part.

In my palm you may abide,
A shelter from life's strong tide.
Cuddle there, abide in peace,
Until from fright you find release.

My palm would close and hold you there,
Prevent your flight into the air,
To keep you here, my very own,
My soul cries out, "I can't condone!

For birds were made with wings to fly,
And soar in freedom through the sky.
Let her heal and set her free,
And she will fly right back to thee!

When she does, she'll build her nest,
With straws of love and peace and rest."
So little bird you may abide,
To heal and grow as God doth guide.

Safe in my palm,
In patient love,

Don

The Gentle Wait

Response to "Little Bird"

I am as a small injured bird,
Happy in the warmth of your palm.
Sh-h-h - do not say a word
Hold gently, stay calm . . . .

If patiently you wait,
Then when all is healed,
No way could you anticipate
The love to be revealed . . . .

Sharon

I hope you will join me next week when I will be looking at Faith perspectives as they relate to remarriage.

Hugs, In Christ's and My Love,

Don E. Cunningham, Author © June 5, 2007